"What's a Social?"

Everything about this makes me giggle.

"What, after all, is more real than love?"

Fashionista has got scans up from LOVE's first issue. They've also included the fabulous letter from the editor. Enjoy, I'm going to listen to The Rolling Stones (Emotional Rescue) and play some brick breaker on the blackberry.

The Flu Has Turned Me Into Such an Internet Nerd

Looky Lou, gosh I feel so famous.

Death Becomes Me

I have the flu. I have not gotten out of the sweat pants plus t-shirt combo for two days. Also my hair is a mess. I feel terrible and I just read that Chanel is making a Segway scooter. There is a shop downtown that rents Segways. I wonder if they will have the Chanel version? All I know is that this is making me question my existence. Did you know that they are remaking The Never Ending Story? First Escape to Witch Mountain and now this. The world is entering a terrible and unfortunate age. Or maybe not. All I know is that these things are happening and someone else got the Stella McCartney for LeSport Sac bag that I wanted from Gilt Group.
Pretty black dresses to wear to the funeral of the world as we know it:
When you are attending the funeral for an idea, not something tangible, it is thoroughly appropriate to look sexy. You should not wear a one shouldered dress to your step father's funeral but who the hell cares when it is something that did not really exist. Unless you just read Slaughterhouse 5 and you are not sad about his death because, you know, he is alive in the past and right now? That body is just not really in a good state. But I doubt Serena reads. Also this dress does not show enough cleavage for our flaxen haired friend. RM by Roland Mouret sleeveless black dress, $2,180
Did you know that it was Mardi Gras this week? That somehow or other slipped by me. Probably becuase that was the day that I fell ill. I looked good too (90s Prada shoes, wool tights, striped shirt dress, vintage waist belt, and a purple J. Crew cardigan). Once again, the perfect party dress for the end of the world as we know it. Why is everything suddenly so apocolyptic? Why must pop culture decide to ruin everything that I love and know? Will March 16 ever come? Charlotte Ronson Audrey dress, $246
Helmut Lang dresses have a habit of bringing out the vaugely slutty and curvaceous side of me. I know I would end up wearing this dress with my suede platform heels and my faux leather jacket and be righteously mean to everyone. It is no matter though, because I love this dress. $345

Oscar Love

Photos courtesy of Style.com

My Hair Will Shine Like the Sea

I'm sitting here still in my bathrobe and watching Millionaire Matchmaker (which, by the way, is far more terrifying than any other show on television)and I'm feeling mighty comfortable so here are some flats. A far cry from the high high heels I've been wearing lately and maybe some models could use them too...
I will always love a nice pointed toe, especially when paired with straight jeans. Aaah Marni. Leather ballet flats, $530

Pink satin! The girliest of girly, and I love it. Fairy Tales Are True satin flats, $34
Perfect for when it's warm but God knows you shouldn't wear shorts and all your skirts are in the laundry. Also just totally fab. Chloe patent leather flats, $470


Classic and on sale. Iyana flats, $85

Dune is so Hot Right Now

AC: this is something that everyone in the world should own
Leith: it's very Dune meets Xanadu
AC: very true

Facebook, Your Ads Continue to Scare me

That is all.

Pack Your Bags!

It seems as if everyone I know is in search of new luggage, I suppose it's just the thought of college (joyfully!) looming on the horizon. I am lucky and have a limitless supply of luggage from my travel loving relatives, but not everyone is so lucky. Here are some great weekend bags, you know for when you're home visiting your parents.
This is just like the duffel my dad would use while hitchhiking across the country in his college days. Except his wasn't pink. $32
My favorite weekend bag is Diane Von Furstenberg. It's from the mid 90's (once again, a relatives) but my goodness, it's like Mary Poppins' magic bag. Dian Von Furstenberg wheeled city bag, $115.16
There are few things I love more than aged leather. This is faux, but I'm also trying to save money these days. Deerfield weekender, $48

So you can sleep on the train in style. Also, I actually use this in real life and only partly because I love Breakfast at Tiffany's. Holly Golightly sleep mask, $18

Truthy

Looks like some graffiti I snapped and sent to Faran at Nylon made it onto the Nylon Blog. Exciting! Check it out. Oh and that "True" graffiti? I forgot to mention that it says "False" when you turn it upside down. Clever street vandals.

Thanks Faran!

Matching V. Going & the Perils of the Foodservice Industry

Dear Leith,

I remember when you would help people before in their time of need and noticed that you'd want to do it again. Well perfect timing because I need your help. Yesterday I started my (disgusting) job at Dunkin Donuts. I'm can't think of any think that will make my khaki pant, red-orange with textured ridges on the side polo uniform look better, do you have any tricks up your sleeve?

Sincerely,

Megan

The first thing I thought of when I read your e-mail was the episode of Ugly Betty where it's revealed that Amanda's been working at T.G.I. Friday's to make rent money. Yes, I watch Ugly Betty. I know it's embarrassing but I love Amanda's clothes. So, let her be some inspiration to you. Get creative! Amanda may have to wear a horrible uniform but she spices it up with fun accessories (sequined suspenders).
I'm assuming that they aren't giving you the khakis so opt for a straight leg, and make sure that they fit you fantastically. Seriously, get them tailored if necessary. Too baggy or too tight and no matter what else you wear you'll look absolutely terrible. Besides, you will always be able to use a great pant.
The hideous orange shirt? Do your best to make it snazzy. Try rolling up the sleeves (but not all the way, one or two rolls maximum). You can definitely jazz it up with some great jewelry (are you allowed to wear necklaces and rings? if so GO FOR IT, if not then wear the best earrings you've ever seen). Remember, hair and make-up got a long long way.
Last of all, wear awesome shoes. If you can stand it some killer high heels (in black though, that bone color is awful) would be awesome with some skinny khakis and that polo. If you can't though wedges are just as fab. Also, if you do go with an open toe make sure you've had a pedicure, no one wants gross feet while they're buying some donuts.

Leith-

First, just wanted to tell you that I thoroughly enjoy reading your site. moving on...

When it comes to choosing my outfits,I tend to accessorize very sparingly. The accessories I choose are so matchy-matchy, it's almost embarrassing. I'm completely lost. I get the concept, I guess, but I have trouble when it comes to executing it. I hate myself for this, but if I wear a black shirt my hands automatically reach for the black purse...I really don't want to become the matching pant-suit type.

any suggestions?
-Olivia

Things don't have to match, they have to go! Just like Stacy and Clinton taught us. Now, I love matching my purse with my shoes (I like to think of it as bookends to a wonderful outfit). But sometimes you have to break free of the monochromatic uniform! Experiment with your wardrobe. Try going with something that you aren't comfortable with, even if it's just in the privacy of your own home at first. Feel free to keep it simple, but also not matching. The Sartorialist is always great inspiration, especially for dealing with colors. It may sound strange but the menswear he features is some of the most inspiring stuff for me. Speaking of inspiring menswear, Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass is a perfect example of using color in fun and interesting ways. If only there were more modern dandies out there.
P.S. I will always love monochromatic outfits, but the way to make them really work is pair interesting textures and designs.

Questions!

Apparently McDonald's is going to bet the official coffee of Fashion Week.
This greatly disturbs me. Yes, it's probably just the elitist snob in the depths of my soul (okay, my snobbishness is not shy) but McDonald's is not chic. I love coffee too. The main reason why I was so excited for senior privileges was so that I could go and get coffee before statistics each day.
This is just promoting a brand that produces terrible, unhealthy food (according to consumer reports the coffee is good, but that is not important as it is basically impossible to go into that place and only get coffee). The pairing of a company that produces (some would claim) obesity and an industry that promotes (some would claim) eating disorders is a juxtaposition that makes the mind boggle.
I'm going to go cry now.
via Gawker

Not So Much a Secret

"...Your last post featured several vintage coats. I wanted to know where you find your vintage. I would love to incorporate more of it in my own posts but I don't own a digital camera so I can't take pictures of what I find on the street.
Thanks for all of the advice over the last few years. Keep inspiring!
Peace, love, and a warm day glow wool coat"

-Bonnie Klyde

I really like Nasty Gal Vintage. I've gotten a fabulous clutch there and they always have really cool stuff like old YSL blouses and crazy bandage dresses. A friend of mine has used Bleubird Vintage before, I haven't bought anything there but I like their selection. One of my favorite vintage stores in Georgetown is Annie Creamcheese and they just recently opened an online store. Also (and this bit I forgot to mention in my e-mail reply to Bonnie) my favorite place to get vintage HANDS DOWN is my grandmother. Because of her I have Versace jeans, a fur trimmed plaid jacket, and countless waist belts.

L'Amore

Normally I am less than into the holiday spirit around Valentine's day. For some reason though I am feeling seriously festive this year. Perhaps it's the red tights I bought at H&M the other day or the knowledge that one of my best friends and I will be dressed in the most fabulous outfits to hand out the Valentine's Day carnations this year.
Also, I would love to have one of these Anya Hindmarch pouches. Is there anything more romantic than a leather pouch filled with love letters? I think not. Anya Hindmarch pouch, £135

Sexxxy U

Maybe it's just me but I think the world needs more pretty lingerie.

Mimi Holliday by Damaris bra, $85
Mimi Holliday by Damaris briefs, $55

Notice those images on the sidebar? They're new! They're links! Can you feel the excitement?
That first one links to my e-mail address, leithisstartingtherevolution@gmail.com feel free to e-mail me. Back in the day I had an entire Ask Leith section, it was actually kind of fun and I would not mind bringing it back.
Next is a link to my twitter. It's fairly nonsensical, but every once in a while I'll link to some lovely vintage Dior.
Then you have my we heart it account. Basically it's a bunch of images I have found on the internet and adore. Feel free to ignore the frogs, other than that there is a lot of fashion oriented stuff. Enjoy!

No Colors Anymore

Monday night's Gossip Girl made a friend and me realize that we NEED brightly colored coats. Enjoy.
I think my friend actually is getting this one. Vintage tent coat, $68
In my fantasy world I'm Blair. Sort of. My explanation for needing a red coat was as follows" I've always looked good in red. It compliments my dark hair and Snow White qualities." Besides, a military coat is far more appropriate for inspiring the troops than your average pea coat. Vintage Military Coat, $148
Lambswool and it's on sale (40% off). George Simonton fold over coat, $139.90
Gawker pointed out that the mister costume designers put Nelli in a yellow coat on Monday night. Oh how terrible. But it made me imagine Eric Daman is part of the gang on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia which then led to a wonderful mash-up of those two shows. yellow Alice + Olivia coat, $505